What is Whiteboard Animation?

Video has become a popular and effective tool to communicate ideas clearly and concisely. Among the many video formats available, whiteboard animation stands out as a unique, engaging, and effective medium for storytelling. But what exactly is whiteboard animation, and why is it so popular?

What is Whiteboard Animation?

Whiteboard animation is a type of explainer video where visuals are hand-drawn and erased on a whiteboard-like surface. The process typically mimics an artist drawing in real-time, illustrating concepts, ideas, or stories while a voiceover explains the message. The combination of drawing, narration, and simplicity makes it a highly effective medium for conveying complex topics in an easy-to-understand way. Check out our popular Whiteboard Explainer template example. 

How Does It Work?

A traditional whiteboard animation video follows a straightforward format and typically includes hand-drawn illustrations, voiceover narration, and sequential storytelling in which images and narration work in tandem to guide the viewer through the content, ensuring ideas build upon one another. At VideoScribe, we have a range of drawing hands to choose from. You can take a look at all of them in the video below. 

Why is Whiteboard Animation So Effective?

Whiteboard animations are popular for several key reasons:

1. Simplicity and Clarity
   The minimalist nature of whiteboard animations strips away unnecessary distractions, allowing the audience to focus on the key message. Complex information, such as scientific concepts, business strategies, or educational content, can be simplified with visuals and easy-to-understand narration.
2. Engagement
   Whiteboard animations tap into a viewer’s natural curiosity. Watching a picture being drawn from scratch feels like a creative journey, keeping the audience engaged as they anticipate what will come next.
3. Better Retention
   People retain more information when it’s presented both visually and audibly. Whiteboard animations combine both elements—images and narration—making the content more memorable overall.
4. Versatility
   Whiteboard animations are incredibly versatile. They can be used for corporate presentations, educational content, product demonstrations, marketing campaigns, social media content, and so much more. Regardless of the subject, this format makes the information more accessible and digestible.
5. Cost-Effective
   Compared to traditional video production, which can require actors, locations, and extensive post-production, whiteboard animations are relatively inexpensive to produce. Animation software like VideoScribe has made it even easier and faster to create high-quality videos without breaking the bank.

Where Can You Use Whiteboard Animation?

Whiteboard animations are suitable for various industries and purposes. Here are some examples of where they shine:

• Education: Teachers and educators often use whiteboard animations to break down complex topics into simple, visual lessons. Take a look at our Lesson Objectives template for an example of this.

• Marketing: Businesses use whiteboard animations to explain their products or services, making it easier for potential customers to understand the value they offer. At VideoScribe, we have created several marketing templates. Below is a preview for out our Product/Feature/Service Launch template.

• Corporate Training: Whiteboard animations are used in training programs to explain internal processes, safety procedures, or new policies. Check out one of our Training Templates below.

• Social Media: Whiteboard animations are highly shareable content, making them ideal for social media marketing and brand awareness campaigns. We have plenty of templates designed specifically for social media. Below, our Vertical Process Diagram is designed vertically for social media stories. 

Altogether, whiteboard animation is a powerful tool for storytelling and communication. Its engaging format, combined with the ability to simplify complex information, makes it an excellent choice for businesses, educators, and content creators alike. Whether you're explaining a new product, breaking down a challenging concept, or telling a story, whiteboard animation offers a creative, cost-effective way to get your message across.

So, next time you're looking to captivate an audience or make your message stand out, consider the magic of whiteboard animation! You can try it out right now with a 7-day free trial from VideoScribe.